Long Live Rock 'n' Roll – Rainbow

Rainbow’s 1978 anthem “Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll” stands as a timeless celebration of classic hard rock. Driven by Ritchie Blackmore’s signature guitar work, the song features powerful riffs, melodic solos, and masterful use of rock guitar techniques that every aspiring player should study. At Lick Library, our in-depth guitar lesson for “Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll” teaches the track note-for-note, dissecting each riff and solo section while providing expert insight into the essential skills that shaped the sound of one of rock’s most influential guitarists.

Whether you're a budding guitarist or a seasoned player aiming to refine your skills, learning this track offers a golden opportunity to develop technique, tone, timing, and musical phrasing in the context of a real-world classic. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist – Ritchie Blackmore

Ritchie Blackmore, the founding guitarist of Rainbow and a former member of Deep Purple, is revered as one of the pioneers of hard rock and heavy metal guitar. His playing on “Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll” blends classical influences with bluesy aggression, making use of both precision and feel in equal measure. Known for his articulate phrasing, dramatic bends, and harmonic control, Blackmore helped define the role of the lead guitarist in rock music during the 1970s. His legacy has influenced generations of guitarists, from Yngwie Malmsteen to Steve Vai, making him a crucial figure for any guitarist to study.

Song Overview

The “Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll” guitar lesson covers every section of the song, including the iconic opening riff, the tight rhythm playing throughout the verses and choruses, and the expressive solo work. Our step-by-step breakdown ensures that each part is taught at a pace that makes it accessible and engaging, with clear demonstrations and explanations from our expert tutors.

Through learning this track, students gain more than just the ability to play a classic tune — they also build a rock-solid foundation in essential techniques that can be applied across countless other songs and styles.

Key Techniques Covered in the Lesson

String Bending

Blackmore uses expressive string bending to bring vocal-like phrasing into his solos. Learning to control pitch and intonation in bends is crucial for expressive soloing. It trains your ear and improves your finger strength.

Vibrato

Adding vibrato to held notes gives them life and emotion. In this lesson, you'll learn how Blackmore uses wide, controlled vibrato to create a vocal feel — an essential skill for any lead guitarist.

Slides

Slides appear both in riffs and lead phrases throughout the track. Mastering slides helps you transition smoothly between notes and adds a fluid, connected feel to your playing.

Alternate Picking

For the fast-paced riffs and quick lead lines, you'll employ alternate picking. This technique improves picking efficiency, helping you develop speed and consistency across strings.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

The solo and melodic embellishments include hammer-ons and pull-offs, which make your playing more legato and smooth. These are vital for fast, fluid phrases without relying solely on picking.

Power Chords

Much of the rhythm guitar is driven by solid power chords, giving the song its punch and clarity. Mastering this technique allows you to build tight, aggressive rhythm sections in rock and metal.

Palm Muting

Used for dynamic control and added punch in the rhythm sections, palm muting is an essential tool in the rock guitarist’s arsenal. It helps separate rhythm from lead and adds percussive attack.

Unison Bends

The solo features classic unison bends — two notes bent to the same pitch to create a rich, intense sound. This technique enhances solo phrasing and adds harmonic intensity.

Bluesy Bends

Blackmore’s style is rooted in the blues, and bluesy bends feature prominently in his soloing. These bends create a raw, emotional edge and are crucial for expressive rock soloing.

Why Learn “Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll”?

Studying this track isn't just about learning a great song — it’s about improving as a guitarist. This lesson teaches musicality, control, and technique through a composition that balances rhythm and lead work beautifully. You'll come away with better fretboard awareness, increased finger dexterity, and deeper musical insight.

Learning to play “Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll” will enhance your understanding of classic rock song structure, show you how to blend technique with feel, and deepen your appreciation for the artistry behind Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar playing.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Slides
• Alternate Picking
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Unison Bends
• Bluesy Bends

This detailed breakdown of “Long Live Rock ‘n’ Roll” gives guitarists the chance to experience the raw energy and masterful technique that define this classic rock masterpiece. Dive in and bring the spirit of Rainbow to your fingertips with Lick Library.